The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) announced on the 17th that it has begun clinical trials of the injectable diagnostic agent 'Technekitty' for feline hyperthyroidism.
Technekitty is the second veterinary radiopharmaceutical to receive clinical approval in Korea, following last year's approval of 'Thyrokitty Injection (I-131)'.
The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute has developed 'Technekitty,' a diagnostic agent for feline hyperthyroidism, and has begun clinical trials. Photo by Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute
Feline hyperthyroidism is one of the most common hormonal disorders in older cats (aged 10 and above), affecting about 10% of this population. If left untreated, it can lead to cardiovascular disorders and other complications, making early diagnosis and treatment essential.
Until now, blood tests and ultrasound examinations have mainly been used to determine whether a cat has developed the disease. However, there have been limitations, as early-stage blood test results may appear normal, and it is difficult to detect functional abnormalities using only ultrasound.
In response, KAERI received approval for the clinical trial plan for Technekitty from the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency in April. According to the plan, from the previous day (the 16th), a one-year clinical trial involving 42 cats began at the Chungbuk National University Animal Hospital.
The clinical trial subjects include both a healthy control group and a test group of cats suspected of having hyperthyroidism. The thyroid gland absorbs iodine to synthesize thyroid hormones.
KAERI plans to confirm the onset of feline hyperthyroidism by administering Technekitty, which acts similarly to iodine, and then using single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging to observe the results.
SPECT is a device that provides three-dimensional images showing how and at what rate radiopharmaceuticals accumulate in the body. It is also widely used to evaluate organ function.
According to KAERI, in SPECT images, areas where the radiopharmaceutical Technekitty is highly absorbed appear brighter. By analyzing the intensity and distribution of brightness in the images, it is possible to precisely determine hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, the location of abnormal regions, and whether metastasis has occurred.
Previously, since 2022, KAERI has conducted joint research with LCGen Co., Ltd. and the Chungbuk National University College of Veterinary Medicine, supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korea Institute of Planning and Evaluation for Technology in Food, Agriculture and Forestry's companion animal industrialization technology development project.
In addition, based on the regulatory experience accumulated during the development of the therapeutic agent Thyrokitty, KAERI swiftly completed the required preclinical safety assessments and in vivo efficacy evaluations, thereby securing clinical approval for the follow-up product, Technekitty.
Jung Younguk, Director of the HANARO Quantum Science Research Center at KAERI, stated, "The clinical approval of Technekitty is not a one-off achievement, but demonstrates that a sustainable process for developing new veterinary drugs has been established. By localizing both therapeutic and diagnostic agents, we aim to lead not only the domestic companion animal medical market but also exports to the broader Asian region in the future."
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